Buccaneers
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com reports that sources close the Buccaneers have informed him that there is a lot of support within the Buc’s organization for drafting Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks.
Tampa Bay could end up targeting Banks with their first-round pick (No. 13 overall) come April.
Campbell adds that it’s unlikely that they’ll consider trading up given that they have plenty of areas that need to be addressed. Sources suggested that they could look to trade back and grab Banks at a later point.
Manti Te’o
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock discussed the differences between Panther LB Luke Kuechly and Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o.
Mayock believes Kuechly is close to being the perfect linebacker for the current NFL game. Te’o, on the other hand, isn’t on the same level as the former Boston College linebacker.
“Te’o struggles a little bit more because he isn’t naturally built that way,” said Mayock, via WalterFootball.com. “He isn’t as naturally quick or the natural explosion or the change of direction like Luke. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t tough, instinctive and smart.”
“He won’t go second round because he got Catfished,” according to a source who spoke to Matt Miller regarding Te’o. “He’ll go second round because he’s a slow inside ‘backer.”
Marcus Lattimore
Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reports that South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore intends to conduct a “limited workout” to show his knee is progressing following his recent ACL surgery.
Lattimore showed up at the Senior Bowl this week to speak with NFL teams regarding his progress. He has reportedly been running in a pool, so there are some tangible signs of progress.
”If we took him, I doubt we’d play him,” one NFL GM said of Lattimore. “He’s a guy who needs to sit a year and get past that.“
Raiders
Scott Wright prognosticates that the Oakland Raiders will take North Carolina ILB Kevin Reddick at some point during this year’s draft.
“Reddick really looked like a leader today, barking out instructions and getting the defense lined up properly,” notes Wright. “Oakland definitely needs a linebacker and Riddick seems to meet the criteria of what Head Coach Dennis Allen said the organization is looking for in a player which is someone who loves the game, is willing to work and puts the team first.”
Texans
Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com reports that sources have informed him that the Houston Texans would prefer to target players that can help their defensive front seven and offensive line in this year’s draft.
Campbell adds that Houston may not look to add some depth to these positions until middle rounds and specifically mentions that inside linebacker and the defensive line are their “top priorities” in regards to their front-seven.
Brandon Williams
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com mentions that Missouri Southern DT Brandon Williams is reportedly being discussed as a potential second-round pick.
Several scouts have raved about the week of practice that Williams has put in while in Mobile.
Jeremiah adds that Williams has “surprisingly nimble footwork” for a 6-foot-2, 341-pound man.
Definitely someone to watch in the coming months and at the NFL Combine.
Draft Notes:
A former NFL exec mentioned that the Chiefs “have to take [Luke] Joeckel. He’s the best player, period. He’s safe.” (Matt Miller)
An NFL scout mentioned that he has a “late-round grade” on North Carolina State QB Mike Glennon. (Matt Miller)
Miami of Ohio QB Zac Dysert reportedly hasn’t looked like a quarterback “with the talent to start” in the NFL this week. (National Football Post)
The Rams have reportedly showed interest in Georgia CB Sanders Commings this week. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
“215-pound safety with corner feet,” said Mike Mayock of Georgia Southern S J.J. Wilcox, via NFL.com. “I think he’s an immediate starter in the NFL,
San Jose State OL David Quessenberry’s strong showing this week could have elevated him into the third to fourth-round of this year’s draft. (Charlie Campbell)
FIU S Saf Cyprien is “one of draft’s best safeties.“ (Erik Galko)
The post NFL Draft Rumors: Buccaneers, Te’o, Lattimore, Raiders, Texans appeared first on NFL Trade Rumors -.

You'll
also
receive Yardbarker's daily Top 10, featuring the best sports stories from around the web.
Customize your newsletter to get articles on your favorite sports and teams. And the best part? It's free!

Company Info

Help

What is Yardbarker?

Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.